16 November: National Press Day

The National Press Day (NPD) is celebrated across the country on 16th November.

The day is symbolic of a free and responsible press in India.

The Press Council of India is a unique entity in as-much-as this is the only body to exercise an authority even over the instruments of the state in its duty to safeguard the independence of the press.

Note: The Press Council of India (PCI) was constituted as an autonomous, statutory, quasi-judicial body, and started functioning from 16th November 1966.

International Day of Tolerance being observed today

Today, The International Day for Tolerance is being observed annually on 16th November to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance

The UN has launched a new campaign called ‘Together’ to promote tolerance, respect, and dignity across the world.

The campaign aims to reduce negative perceptions and attitudes towards refugees and migrants.

World Philosophy Day being observed today

The World Philosophy Day observed across the world on 16th November 2017 (third Thursday of November) to raise public awareness of the importance of philosophy and its critical use in life.

The Day encourages academic exchange and highlights the contribution of philosophical knowledge in addressing global issues.

Philosophy is the study of the nature of reality and existence, of what is possible to know, and of right and wrong behavior.

Note: In 2002 World Philosophy Day was introduced by UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Amitabh Bachchan to be honored with Personality of the Year Award IFFI-2017

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan (75-year) will be honored with the personality of the year award at the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa (from 20- 28 November 2017).

Amitabh Bachchan has starred in over 190 Indian films in a career spanning almost five decades.

He has won four national awards for best actor and 15 Film Fare Awards.

The IFFI festival is conducted jointly by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and the Government of Goa.

Note: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952 is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia.

Bio-toilets to be installed in all trains by end of next year

According to the Railway Ministry, Bio-toilets to be installed in all Indian Railways coaches has been advanced to December 2018.

Indian railways also called for a need for increasing role of renewables in the railways to achieve net decarbonisation at an event organised in Bonn.

The first bio-toilet-fitted train, Gwalior-Varanasi Bundelkhand Express, has been running since January 2011.

WCD Ministry to host ‘Hausala 2017’ to celebrate Child Rights Week

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating the Child Rights Week (16-20 November) by hosting ‘Hausala 2017’ festival this year.

The week was chosen as the nation celebrates the International Child Rights Day, celebrated annually on 20 November.

The festival will provide to showcase the talents of children from various child care institutions across the country and provide them with a space to express their dreams and aspirations.

The children will be participating in various events including, painting competition, Bal Sansad, athletics meet, football, chess competition and speech writing.

The Petroleum Ministry in consultation with Public Oil Marketing companies has decided for preponement of BS-VI grade auto fuels in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi from 1st April 2018 (earlier 1st April 2020).

This is part of government's concerted efforts to reduce vehicular emissions & improve fuel efficiency with an aim to reduce the carbon footprints and keep a healthy environment.

India has followed the regulatory pathway for fuel quality and vehicle emissions standards termed as Bharat Stage (BS).

Syria signs up Paris agreement on Climate Change

According to the UN report, Syria has signed up to the Paris Agreement, leaving the United States as the only country to reject the global climate-rescue pact.

War-torn Syria became the 169th of 196 countries that are members of the UN climate convention to take the legal step of ratification. After Nicaragua signed up in October 2017, Syria was the only country not to have adopted the pact.

Zimbabwe is under military control after army seizes power from Mugabe

According to the African Union (AU), Zimbabwean military's takeover of power of President Mr. Robert Mugabe (93-year) seems like a coup.

Last week, Emmerson Mnangagwa (vice-president) was fired and making Mr. Mugabe's wife Grace the president's likely successor which left top military officials feeling side lined.

Robert Mugabe has not yet been formally deposed as president, although his days — even hours — appear to be numbered.

Note: Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, reserves and safari areas.

Aditi is first Indian to qualify for LPGA Tour Championships

India’s Aditi Ashok (19-year) has become the first to qualified for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship on the LPGA.

She has now rushed to Florida for the season-ending Finale.

This year Aditi has played 20 events on the LPGA and made cut in 13 of them with tied 8th at the Marathon Classic as her best result.